Justin Thomas, competing at the Travelers Championship, encountered a challenging moment on the 13th hole Saturday while trailing Tommy Fleetwood by four shots at nine-under. Aiming for a strong tee shot to build on earlier successes on the hole, Thomas experienced a mishap that included an unexpected driver throw, altering his momentum at the tournament.
After the tee shot veered sharply left into the trees, Thomas followed through on his swing only to have the driver fly from his hands in the same direction. A tournament official happened to be in the line of the errant club but fortunately was not struck. Thomas shouted “FORE LEFT” to warn those nearby before apologizing, actions captured by CBS microphones.
He then retrieved the driver and regrouped with his caddy, allowing the rest of his group to continue their play. Unfortunately, the hole deteriorated further for Thomas as he carded a quadruple bogey nine, dropping four strokes and significantly impacting his chances to close the gap on Fleetwood. After the setback, Thomas’s weekend total fell to five-under par.
Detailed Challenges on the 13th Hole Affect Thomas’s Position
This hole posed difficulties beyond just the driver incident for Thomas. His hopes for making a late surge in the competition were diminished by the significant scoring setback. Going forward, he must deliver strong performances in the final five holes to mount any realistic challenge to Fleetwood’s lead heading into the final round on Sunday.
Justin Thomas’s 2025 Season Highlights and Ryder Cup Prospects
Throughout the 2025 season, Justin Thomas has generally demonstrated consistency, despite falling short in major championships. He missed the cut at both the PGA Championship and the US Open and finished tied for 36th at the Masters. Outside those majors, however, Thomas has had commendable results, securing six top-10 finishes, including an important victory at the RBC Heritage, his first since the 2022 PGA Championship.
With the Ryder Cup looming, Thomas’s steady play has secured him an automatic berth on the U.S. team, where he currently ranks fifth in the standings. His presence will be crucial as the United States prepares to face the Europeans at Bethpage. Thomas looks poised to contribute significantly under captain Keegan Bradley’s leadership.
Broader Context and Future Implications for Thomas at Travelers
The incident involving Thomas’s driver throw became a focal point due to its rarity and the impact on his tournament trajectory. Such emotional moments can affect a player’s composure, and recovering from this will be key for Thomas as he aims to regain form over the remaining holes. The pressure intensifies with Tommy Fleetwood leading, placing urgency on Thomas to perform.
As the final round approaches, observers will watch closely to see if Thomas can rebound and re-enter contention. The outcome will influence both his standing at the Travelers Championship and momentum heading into upcoming events in this critical year for his career.